Locals To Help Shape Flagship Community Hospitals

Ten new community hospitals for Victoria are a step closer, with local families set to help decide the services they will provide.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced who will chair the community consultation committees, which will give local communities a say over the future of their hospital.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $675 million to build or upgrade 10 new community hospitals close to major growth areas in Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Phillip Island, Sunbury, Torquay, the City of Whittlesea, the Eltham area, Point Cook and Fishermans Bend.

Community Consultation Committees are being established so carers, patients, families and volunteers can work with health service providers to ensure each hospital meets the particular needs of locals.

Community hospitals will allow communities to access a range of public services including allied health such as physiotherapy and speech pathology, after-hours health care with access to pathology and imaging, women’s health including family planning, community mental health and alcohol and drug assessment.

They will also provide services like day surgery, renal dialysis, chemotherapy, chronic disease management and public dental. Construction is expected to start by 2022 and finish by 2024.

Community Consultation Committees will be chaired by the following members of parliament:

Whittlesea – Danielle Green

Cranbourne – Pauline Richards

Eltham – Vicki Ward

Torquay – Darren Cheeseman

Point Cook – Ingrid Stitt and Jill Hennessy

Sunbury – Josh Bull

Fishermans Bend – Nina Taylor

Philip Island – Jordan Crugnale

Craigieburn – Ros Spence

Pakenham – Jordan Crugnale

Each Committee will include approximately 15 representatives from the local community and from key organisations such as local councils and health service providers.